Age:  52
Served:  25¼ years
January 14, 1910 to April 26, 1935

On April 26, 1935, Sergeant Cameron, of 1302 Westminster Drive, and Detective John Schmitt responded to the area of the Crane and Breed Casket Company at 1227 West Eighth Street after receiving a tip that an attempt would be made to rob their payroll.  They found Lindsey Cyrus, an operator of a shoe repair shop in Morrow, Ohio, and Leland English, 615 Neave Street, in the area.  They attempted to stop them at 1013 West Eighth Street by forcing their car to the side of the road.  English took off running and Cyrus opened fire, striking Sergeant Cameron.  Sergeant Cameron returned fire, striking Cyrus.  Then the two wrestled and another shot fired by Sergeant Cameron struck Detective Schmitt in the hand.  Despite his wound, Detective Schmitt overpowered English and arrested him with the assistance of firemen and citizens.  Cyrus escaped.  Detective Cameron was transported to General Hospital. 

Two hours later, police found Cyrus back in Morrow.  Again, he challenged the officers and the officers gunned him down with a Thompson sub-machinegun.  He was also transported to the General Hospital.

A few hours later, Sergeant Cameron died at 7:50 p.m.

Police charged Cyrus and England with the attempted payroll robbery and a robbery of the Ansonia Copper and Iron Company, 621 Evans Street, on December 8, 1933. 

Cyrus died in General Hospital April 28, 1925, at 9:17 p.m.  Before dying, he admitted to both offenses. 

Sergeant Cameron left a wife, Josephine, and two sons, John A. Cameron, Jr. and Donald C.  He was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery on April 29, 1935 at 3 p.m.  His son married the next Wednesday.

If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.